DM Doctor Evil Rise of the Runelords AP

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

"I guess take Thorn to the church. If they can't do anything for him, at least his body will be safe. I'll go tell the Sheriff we're back. Meet you back at the Rusty Dragon? Ameiko should have something good still cooking."

The weary, worn, and hungry adventurers feel there hearts lift as they turn the corner and see the few lights of Sandpoint sprinkled out below them at last.

Remembering their entrance into the city before the festival and the light-heartedness of that day compared to the horror and danger of the past week, they smile grimly to themselves. The few guards at Northgate let them pass, recognizing the crew as the Heroes of Sandpoint. They doff their caps in respect as the mule bearing Thorn's corpse slowly enters the city he died to protect.

Heading to the Cathedral, the group finds the brothers at their dinner meal, just making ready for their final service to Desna - Starfall. Father Zantus steps outside into the courtyard to speak with the group. Seeing the fallen warrior, he is overcome with sadness. "Would that I had the skill to raise this noble fellow who fell in our aid, but it is beyond my ability. It is said the Benefice in Magnimar may have that ability, but alas I do not. For now, we will relieve you of your burden and honor the fallen's body, washing and cleansing it. We will stand vigil for you over him tonight. You go and rest, I will send a messenger to the Benefice tonight, so they are expecting you."

He offers the simple fare of the brothers and a soft pallet of straw should you agree to take him up on it.

"Thank you for your aid, Father, and for your offer of hospitality, but we have rooms at the Rusty Dragon. Though let us know the cost and we will provide it."

Barek leaves the others and heads to the sheriff's home. Too tired for much decorum, he bangs on the door. "Sheriff Hemlock, we're back!"

When the sheriff opens the doors, Barek quickly tells him of their fight at Thistletop, and most importantly that the goblin chief and Nualia are dead. "That should end any goblin threat to Sandpoint. Nualia was mixed up in some unholy stuff and had gathered quite the dangerous band of people there. Thistletop is still a dangerous place, but I think Sandpoint is safe for now."

Selena stays n the back as the group arrives at Sandpoint. She wasn't one of the heroes and shouldn't be treated as such. Inside the gates she remains silent and goes to see about a room at one of the inns while the rest go to the cathedral. Perhaps she will find them in the morning to see what can be done for Thorn but right now was not the time or place to be considered part of their group. No it would be better she thinks if she just gets a quiet night's sleep.

Father Zanuts nods as you make ready to leave the Cathedral. "The cost to bring back your fallen comrade will be substantial I am afraid, and as I say, I have not the power to do it here. Be prepared to leave for Magnimar in the morning, and the church there will aid you when you arrive."

As the rest of you (except Selena) trudge down to Lowtown and the Dragon, Barek stops at Sherrif Hemlock's home. A bleary eyed sherrif answers the door half-dressed. But when he sees Barek he grips him in a great Shoanti bear-hug and is quite pleased at your return and your story. "It seems that, at least for now, the threat is behind us. So you found Nualia alive after all, but ended her for good, eh? This story is strange and stranger. Let us breakfast in the morning at your Inn to discuss what happens next."

Selena finds a room at The White Deer, the inn near Northgate and the Cathedral. The proprietor, Garridan Viskalai, is also a large Shoanti man. However he is covered in the tribal tattoos and markings of the wild people of Varisia. The inn is more comfortable and expensive than the Rusty Dragon, catering mostly to trading merchants along the road, rather than the adventuring types attracted to Ameiko's place.

The weary and sore adventurers all fall into bed and sleep through the night. Dreams of the temple of Lamashtu and the evil dogs and insane Nualia, the scar on her belly prominent, haunt you through the night, but not so badly that you don't take rest and refreshment.

End of 6 Rova, 4707

Seldon bids farewell to his companions, meaning to spend the night at the temple. "I will remain here and seek the counsel of my brothers. Until tomorrow, my friends."

He pulls a small bundle from his cloak and lays it reverently before the father. "These are all I could find of Tobin's remains. Nualia answered grievously for her transgressions, and I have done what I can to consecrate the temple. Still, I fear there is still much work to do at Thistletop..." Seldon says gravely. "Join me in the garden. I will tell you all I know...."

Edit: Ninja'd, but this is as good a fade-to-black as any. Seldon will head to the inn in the morning.

Morning, 7 Rova 4707, Sandpoint, Varisia

Waking late, the sore and injured heroes tend to the their morning rituals, memorizing spells, praying for divine aid, or simply working muscles. Whetstones and armor polish help return worn gear to its usual state and the breakfast at either inn is substantial and sublime especially compared to the trail food you had while on the march.

Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin attend breakfast at the Dragon and hear the story of the decimation of the goblins, the horror of Nualia's insanity, and the defeat of many monsters. They are notably concerned when they hear of Thorn's death at the hands of the goblin king. Mayor Deverin offers use of her family's sloop, The Jewel of Varisia, to take you and the fallen hero to Magnimar. "She's fast and sturdy," says the Mayor, "and by boat, you'll cut your travel time in half. I really insist, it's the least we can do."

Preparations are made, and the Desnan priests deliver Thorn's corpse and gear to the docks loading it aboard the vessel. Zantus gives you a letter of introduction for the priest, a Father Starling, in Magnimar. "It will still be costly, but perhaps this letter will influence him to give you a discount. He was my mentor and rector when I was in training in Magnimar."

Who goes, who stays, and what do you do in the meantime? The trip will take one day by boat, another day to get the healing done, and a third day to return by boat. To return overland will take 2-3 days minimum. You may still have to determine which gear from the Loot Tracker to sell and get that done to have cash to pay the priests in Magnimar.

Are we getting sailors to pilot the boat?

Barek nods at the offer of a ship. "Very kind of you, Madam Mayor. That will save quite a bit of time." As they prepare to set sail, Barek smiles at the smell of the sea and the docks. Even though it wasn't very pleasant, it did remind him of home in Riddleport. I wonder how Pop's business is going. Seems I've gotten rather caught up in things I never intended to here.

"Well, everyone coming along?"

Selena is grateful for the room and slumps down into the chiar in the room. Barely able to keep her eyes open she uses the wash basin to rinse the dirt and grime away from herself and casts prestidigitation on her clothes to clean them up as well. Her head barely touches the pillow before she is asleep and is oblivious to her surroundings.

In the morning Selena goes about preparing her spells as she meditates and studies her spellbook for the day. Not expecting much she prepares some more utility spells as they are in town.

Hearing a small to do outside she looks out her window and sees the small processional leading away from the cathedral and to the docks. Assuming that it is the fallen Thorn Selena hurries down to hear what is going on. Hearing that there is a nice ship heading to Magnimar Selena volunteers to take care of Thorn and the selling of items. I would be honored to go with you Barek and do what I can to bring Thorn back. I know that he meant a lot to all of you.

Would there be opportunity to scribe scrolls on the boat ride? Just curious as I am switching plans to scribe a couple scrolls of identify to help out with new items we may find. I am trying to build up my scroll list of utility spells which will free up daily spell slots.

Sauntering up beside Barek with a shrug, Mirela smirks and responds "Of course I'm coming, couldn't let you go to the big city without me now could I?"

Looking over at the body of Thorn, the grimness of their task does seem to dispel her usual bravado "Well then, we should get going... we owe it to Thorn." Hoping onto the Jewel of Varisia, Mirela begins lending a hand where she can.

"And we need to get back to finish looking over that place. That researcher was looking for something and I don't want those gobbos getting to it."

Seldon enters the inn, a great weight seeming lifted from him. "It's certainly been an eventful Swallowtail..." he muses, pouring more honey over his porridge. "... and it isn't goblins I'm worried about. I've seen her in the harbour, Lady Kendra. A beautiful vessel indeed."

Seldon will have his bow restrung before heading to the harbour, the prospect of travel leaving him with a spring in his step despite the dark clouds at the corners of his mind. "For once we're of one mind, Tunder. But it isn't goblin's I'm worried about. I'm pleased to see you'll be joining us, Miss Selena. A lelyalmë. After you."

During the journey Seldon will scribe a scroll of lesser restoration. (-75gp. I may need to dip into some other pockets for the components but I'll charge the full cost from Seldon's share of the coin when we figure it out.)

Of course the ship is decked out with a captain and crew. You needn't worry yourselves during the short journey. Relax and refresh yourselves,"[/b] the Mayor says. The ship is quite fine and the crew friendly and respectful as they bring you aboard. If a little cramped the accommodations are comfortable and quiet enough for scroll preparations.

Seldon, you have enough money to prepare the scroll. Should have 153.96 gp left after buying the materials needed. Selena, you can also scribe on teh boat, but need to have the money to make the scrolls in question. Just give me a list.

The ship journey goes uneventfully, and soon the Jewel of Varisia docks at the teeming docks of Magnimar, the second largest city in Varisia. The white marble of the Cathredral is easily seen from the docks, and its within a quick walk in the bustling city to arrive there.

A raven from Father Zantus has arrived ahead of you, and the lesser priests welcome you and yoru fallen comrade with open arms and honors. After dining and refreshing yourselves you are led to the Cathedral's banker, the man in charge of funds and payments.

"Restoring your friend is no mean feat." says the rotund man imperiously. "The Benefice must channel powerful divine forces to achieve such an end. such forces are not used lightly or without cost. Are you certain you want to proceed? The charge is quite high. Have you the necessary coin? The cost to Raise Dead is 5000gp, the cost to Resurrect is 10,000gp. Due to Father Zantus intervention, the Benefice is willing to offer you a 10% discount from the normal price. What have to offer?"

You have 8777 worth of gear to sell that you weren't going to use anyway. That gets you within 233gp of the amount need for Resurrection, which only costs 1 negative level and brings the subject back at full power. Raise Dead costs 2 negative levels. Thorn has 89 gp on him, that leaves an out of pocket of 26.8 gp per other player to get the more powerful spell cast. Thoughts?

You can have my share.

With a shrug, Mirela counts out some gold and hands it into the pile beside Tunder's share. "Easy come, easy go. I'm used to not having much, so I say we do this right."

The cleric takes your items, including the bastard sword and returning dagger, and the coins you push across. He nods to two hooded acolytes at the door and they come forward grabbing the ends of the bier that Thorn rests on. Lifting the fallen warrior carefully, the take him through the door to the chancel beyond.

As the door opens, the scent of incense and the sound of a child's choir strikes your ears. But soon the door closes. The fat man behind teh counter smiles as you wait nervously. "It will only be a few moments, your faith and donation shall be rewarded."

Raise Dead seems to be more cost effective, since Resurrection will still need a Restoration spell on top of it. The only issue is it will take longer since we have to wait the week. Taking into account the 10% discount, that'd be 4500 (Raise Dead) + 2x900 (Restorations)= 6300gp, yes?

Barek is happy to lend whatever gold is needed. The big fighter is anxious to see Thorn's haughty elven face again.

My thought was the Resurrection left Thorn at level 2 and with no other issues. I told him he was responsible for raising the 1000 gp (or 900...) for the Restoration spell which he can add back at any time. If his head was actually removed, the Raise Dead wouldn't work on him anyway. The body must be whole. The whole week in Magnimar is also a bit of problem for the two restorations.

Does Selena get her 10% bonus to the sale of goods from her trait? That should help cover the extra expenses as well. Not sure on the he'd issue if it was completely removed or not as usually that is fluff unless it is a vorpal weapon or a specific action to remove. Will leave that for Dr Evil to adjucate, if the head is still attached even slightly then raise dead is the better option with the purchase of a scroll of restoration that Seldon could use a week later. You could even purchase 2 scrolls and be under the price of the Resurrection. This would give Seldon 2 scrolls chances should he fail the wisdom check needed on the first scroll or have a backup available for some future time.

One final thought, weren't we dividing the xp still equally so he would be at the same level as us? If not that is your choice just double checking for his sake. Once the above are answered and determined I will make a IC post.

The first thing that Thorn does is thank the wizened old woman for bringing him back. Once she leaves the room he gets down on his knees and bows down praying to the powers above.

"Desna, Cayden Cailean, Shelyn, Sarenrae, Torag, Iomedae, and Erastil, thank you for the life you give. May I continue to heed the visions that are brought before me and may my blade be an instrument to your will. Bring forth your will if you choose and I will follow as I have in the past." He prays and stays quiet for several minutes waiting for a vision or a flare of energy upon his tattooed body.

Then he puts on the robe and heads out the indicated door.

Thorn comes forward still in a bit of a haze, he wears a robe over his newly healed body. "Ahh, my friends it is good to see you, Seldon why were you not in there watching the proceedings were you not interested in the ritual?" He says with serenity.

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Barek grabs Thorn in a bear hug and lifts him up off the ground, whirling him around. He drops the man on his feet and gives him a playful shove. "Good to see you back, Thorn!"

"Let me tell you, you missed some wicked stuff. How are you feeling?"

"Ánin apsenë, my friend. We've seen enough fallen friends in our time. The sight of you was beginning to stir those old memories that drove me to the pilgrim's life..." he says, with a sudden twinge to his voice. His eyes linger on his kinsman's with a mingled expression of guilt and melancholy. He clasps Thorn by the hand and embraces him. "It seems we're both getting slow, old friend. Slower than the old days, at least. How do you feel?"

A big smile emerges on his face as he is getting picked up in the big hug, in a more mirthful tone he says, "Glad to see you too Barek! I am feeling a bit hazy but good, alive. Tell me!"

He motions for Barek to stop the recounting for a moment to address his kin, "I understand brother." Seldon and Thorn embrace like old comrades and the smile does not fade on his face. "Perhaps more fool hardy than slow!" He jests.

I just have to avoid charging in! Like he wanted to do! LOL, no worries he will be holding back a bit more in the future, especially switching over to the guisarme as his focus weapon, trip and reach.

We get Selena to enlarge you and that guisarme, and we can definitively use some reach tactics to control the battlefield.

Prior to handing over the dagger and bastard sword and the rest of the gear needed in exchange for the service to bring Thorn back Selena gives a detailed account of the weapons and the gear citing many useful facts about them that was relayed to her by the party. This dagger was used against the group you see standing before you. Its previous owner was a vile beast who harried the group mercilessly from a flying vantage point able to rain pain and suffering down from range. a very valuable weapon in the right hands. This bastard sword nearly took down our companion Barek as he went fist to claw with an abomination of the abyss He can assure you that its blade is sharp and the balance is perfect. surely for such fine weapons you can spare a bit more to further our cause for good in bringing Thorn back and helping save the new cathedral at Sandpoint?

When Thorn is brought back Selena remains where she is to let all of the rest congratulate him for being alive once again first. Once they are done then she moves up slowly to him. I am sorry for the pain and suffering you received. I promise that I will do better next time and will strive to keep them away from you so that you may use your weaponry to its fullest while keeping you safe from harm. I was ill prepared last time and if you are willing to let me continue on with you I will not make that mistake again.

Seldon finally breaks a smile, joining in with the jostling and well-wishing as a familiar sparkle seems to return. As Selena approaches, Seldon perks his ears and listens respectfully. "You mean to say that you mean to stick with us, milady?" Seldon says, beaming, "Elë! That is wonderful news."

Selena nods her head sheepishly. That is if you would have me. In the 3 days that I have been with you I have felt more welcomed and invited into a camaraderie than I have ever before. Perhaps it is being thrown into a life and death struggle that bonds people closer and quicker than normal but I would like to think that it is because of the individuals instead.

Selena keeps her hands at her sides and tries not to fidget as she waits to hear from the group to see if they will accept her or not.

"Don't die again, elf." Is all the greeting Tunder gives. He looks Thorn up and down once before giving a nod of approval. "I'm thirsty. Anybody else feel like a drink?"

I have a better idea Tunder. I you do the hauling and I will buy the mead this time in celebration of having Thorn back. We can then drink on our way back to Sandpoint and not worry about stumbling around Magnimar. I know of a location we can get a good supply that is near the docks. 3 gallons should do it for you Tunder and 1 for the rest of us to split?

Selena is quite eager to be on her way from home so none of her families contact can notice her.

I have gp left on my initial character build that was not put in the spreadsheet. I will just take it out of there till it is gone? the mead will come up to 8gp and 32 lbs.

"Selena don't worry about it that much, the pain and suffering you have seen is but a drop in a bucket compared to my life. I have already died on multiple occasions. I will hold you to that promise." He seems to sadden a bit thinking back about all the pain he has endured and most of it he cannot remember, then he perks up winking at her after as he says he will hold her to her word. With a gleam in his eye he takes her hand and kisses it, "I gladly would have you by my side."

"The life of an adventurer is a spirited one, and I would love to have you with us. Then again I was a bit out of half of it. We are a good group of oddities." He responds with from Selena's remark of staying with the group and camaraderie.

"Dwarf, stay in front of me next time, I am sure your hardy body could have taken it!" He jests back.

He laughs at the sound of mead and drinking, "My head is still a bit cloudy, but I am sure that later today I will be joining you all in a few drinks. Go Tunder and keep her safe."

"Three gallons! I'm no lightweight. It'll take twice that much just to get me started." He boasts.

Selena laughs at Tunder's boast but is willing to see if he makes a fool of himself. Very well, another 3 gallons that you are carrying to the ship. Once there I expect you to drink all 6 six yourself. If not then from now on you have to carry stuff for me while we travel. I have much to delicate a frame to have to worry about carrying any extra weight in my pack.

Another 6 gp taken off for the mead.

"Ha! You can be sure you'll be doing your own carrying."

Watching the cleric perform the rites, Mirela eyes grow wide as she witnesses Thorn take a breath and return to life. Her normally cocky demeanor is replaced with awe as she whispers "Desna be praised..."

Approaching Thorn and embracing him, the young Varisian seems to be a mixture of uncharacteristic humility and joy "It's good to have you back Thorn." After a moment, the usual playful wit starts to resurface as she takes a step back "Tunder is right though, don't you go dying on us anymore." With a wink and a laugh, Mirela takes a few steps backwards and turns on her heels "Well, while we're in the big city, I think I'm going to go do some shopping." Before reaching the exit, Mirela stops at the door and looks over her shoulder "I'll be back in a few hours... don't leave without me."

Mirela will pickup some jewelry as I mentioned in the discussion tab, but will specifically looking for a silver necklace and sapphire pendant valued at about 100g total.

As the group carries their burden of mead back to the Jewel of Varisia, they begin the celebration of Thorn's return in earnest. Not long after, Mirela returns decked out in jewels which sparkle and shimmer in the evening sunlight over the port.

The ship stays docked for the evening, and the party is raucous but eventually the adventurers drift off. As they awaken they find the Captain has already made way back to Sandpoint.

The trip back is also uneventful but without the favorable winds it takes nearly all of a day. The trip is basically 3 full days, as you arrive back at the familiar harbor near the Old Light.

You have time to wander back to the Rusty Dragon and collapse in bed, weary from another day. Sleep fills you and refreshes you.

End of 09 Rova 4707

Technically, this is the end of the first book, Burnt Offerings, of the RotRL AP. We'll begin the second book in earnest as you awaken on the next day. You still have the ability to interact in Sandpoint as you will, including shopping or buying., or just looking around.

Selena's head still throbbed from the celebration the day before. She usually limited herself to only 1 drink but the mood was quite festive and it was the first time she had been able to truly relax in a long time. She was glad that the wind was against them as it would give her most of the day to recover. She just wondered how Tunder was doing. He definitely could put the mead down. She lost track after he tapped the third barrel.

When the ship docked she made her way to the inn again and collapsed for the night. In the morning she sent some extra time getting ready as she had not washed the night before. Going about her preparations she cleans and washes her clothes with the aid of magic and prepares her spells for the day. As there was no rush that she knew about she also took the time to scribe another scroll of identify for future use. (11.88gp)

Finished with her morning Selena heads out to see what is going on in Sandpoint and take in the sights. As she was here for business last time she did not spend much time looking around or at the new cathedral. She makes that her first place to go visit.

Fort 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 includes bonus v poison

Tunder is up early for breakfast and is having lunch by the time most of his companions make it out of their rooms.

Even though he won the bet, he somehow still ends up carrying some of Selena's things. Clothes mostly.

The morning after returning to Sandpoint, Tunder makes preparations to return to Thistletop. There are still areas he wants to make sure are clear of goblins. He starts by asking Ameiko (or whomever is serving breakfast) if the goblins have been trouble since they left for Magnimar.

Morning, 10 Rova 4707

Tunder is up early as if nothing had even happened the previous evening. He smiles at the pale faces and sour looks from the others as they come down closer to noon than sunrise.

There Ameiko and her staff amiably tend to their hangovers through good wholesome food, or a bit of the hair of the dog, depending on the user's choice.

Ameiko relates there have been no reported incidents in Sandpoint related to goblins or even in the whole vicinity to her knowledge. It seems the rumor of the "Vengeance of the Longshanks" has scared most of the goblins into good behavior, at least for the time being.

After a few moments of sharing stories about Thistletop, and a toast to Thorn's return, Sheriff Hemlock walks in sullen and grim-faced. "First let me thank you again for all you've done for Sandpoint. It's fortunate you've proven yourselves so capable, because we've a new problem I think you can help us with -- a problem I wish I didn't have to involve anyone with, but one that needs dealing with now before the situation grows worse."

He sits heavily at your table, and continues, sighing deeply. "Put simply, we have a murderer in our midst -- but one who, I fear, has only begun his work. Some of you doubtless have heard stories of the Late Unpleasantness, how this town nearly tore itself apart in fear as the Chopper's slayings went on unanswered. I'm afraid we might have something similar brewing again now."

"Last night, the murderer struck at the sawmill. There are two victims, and they're...they're in pretty gruesome shape. The bodies were discovered by one of the mill workers, a man named Ibor Horn, and by the time my men and I arrived on the scene, a crowd o curious gawkers had already sprung up. I've got my men stationed there now, keeping the mill locked down, but the thing that bothers me isn't the fact that we have two dead bodies inside. It's the fact that this is actually the second set of murders we've faced this week."

"I come to you for help in this matter -- my men are good, but they are also green. They were barely able to handle themselves against the goblins, and what we're facing now, is an evil far worse than goblins. I need the help. But I'm afraid you'll need help too. You see, I'm afraid that this particular murderer knows one of you as well."

Hemlock reaches out and passes a bloodstained scrap of parchment to Mirela. Startled she sees her name written in blood on the outside of the folded parchment.

When unfolded the note is short, and leaves more questions than answers: "You will learn to love me, desire me in time as she did. Give yourself to the Pack and it shall all end. -- Your Lordship"

He leans back to see your reaction.

"That's a weird way to show your affections." One might note that Tunder has a hand on his axe. "Is this some human thing?"

Waking up with a pounding headache, Mirela sighs as she realizes that some of her belongings were stolen. Dragging herself up to the top deck, she mumbles "That's just great, those were really nice too."

Enjoying a relaxing morning at the Rusty Dragon, Mirela appears to gradually regain her composure as she devours a healthy sized meal and some tea. The day seemed to promise so much, sunshine and much celebration after a job well done.

It wasn't to last though. Listening to the Sheriff, Mirela appeared interested, though still buoyant and cheery, until she read the letter addressed to her. Her complexion turning pale and white, Mirela struggled to keep her hand from shaking as she put down the letter after reading it aloud.

Glancing wide-eyed and clearly shaken by the turn of events, Mirela responds to Tunders comments "No Tunder, not a human thing... but certainly something a disturbed mind might do." Shaking her head dismissively, Mirela tries to rationalize the situation "W-wait, how can the murderer know me? I've never been to Sandpoint, not until before the festival at any event."

Glancing again at the letter, Mirela scans it more closely, and scowls as she murmurs "Your Lordship?" Clearly startled by the handle on the letter, Mirela stands up somewhat panicked "I-I, I should go... far from here; t-this letter is trouble for me, and everyone close to me."

Selena has a relaxing morning as she continues to see the sights of the cathedral. However in the back of her mind is the burning desire to go back to the goblin lair where Nualia was and finish exploring what else might be found there. She knew Tunder wanted to finish clearing it out as well. Taking her leave of the father at the cathedral she makes her way to the Rusty Dragon where she knew the others spent the night.

Hoping to catch them up and about in the dining area Selena walks in and spies the group with what only could be the sheriff sitting down with them.

Good morning everyone. How did you all sleep last night? I was sure glad to be in a normal bed that... Selena sees the look on everyone's faces and pauses mid sentence. Taking a chair she sits quickly down and lowers her voice. What's the matter? what happened?

"Then either this fellow followed you from before here or you met him while you were here." Tunder answers her confused question.
"You'll do no such thing. You're safer here with us. Also, you're implicated in these murders," He points to the bloodied letter "and I don't think the sheriff will be allowing you to go just now."

At Selena's question, Tunder waves her in closer (I figure that this is a quiet conversation so as not to alarm any others) and tells her, "We have us a dire situation and it seems that Mirella could be the reason for it or a target of it."

Barek grabs the letter from Mirela's hands and reads it himself. "Sheriff, what the hell does this mean? Whoever this sick murderer is, he's been watching Miri here? Where did you find this?"

Selena gets filled in from the others and doesn't know quite how to respond. Instead of saying anything she just goes to give Miri a hug and hopes that it conveys in actions what she is struggling with for words. Breaking away and sitting back down Selena tries to think straight regarding what was said and what was known.

Something wasn't adding up right though. Replaying it over and over in her head it finally registers. Turning to Miri she asks, How long have you been in Sandpoint?

Turning back to the sheriff she continues on, I ask because you said this was the second set of murders. Who was the first if I may and when exactly did it happen? It is possible that Miri Wasnt even here for the first set of murders. If so then she is in the clear and no suspicions can be upon her.

Hemlock clears his throat, uncomfortable at the reaction from Mirela and the rest of the PC's. "I am sorry to have frightened you miss." he says as tenderly as the big Shoanti is capable of. "The note was pinned to the sleeve of the latest victim with a splinter of wood. I must say, I have believe this note was only left to throw suspicion on you, not that you are in any way implicated in the murder, but...there are others in town, who do not know you that may think otherwise. We need to keep the murders and the evidence as quiet as possible."

He then turns to the whole group his eyes and manner serious. "It must be kept quiet, but it must be solved. Many more deaths and the story will be out anyway. Let me go over the evidence with you, you can then follow the leads as you choose."

He goes on to recount the story of what is known about the murders in the sawmill.

Sandpoint Lumber Mill - The most recent murders took place here -- the bodies are still present, and little has been done at the crime scene itself. Sheriff Hemlock suggests this is the first place the PC's investigate, since he would like to clean the mill up right away and get the bodies buried.

Ibor Horn - Sheriff Hemlock has interrogated Ibor, the man who discovered the bodies at the lumber mill, he doesn't suspect the frightened man knows much more.

Ven Vinder - The overprotective father of Shayliss (you remember her?) and Katrine. Katrine Vinder and her secret lover Banny Harker are the victims in the murders. Hemlock is holding Vinder as his only suspect, although the sheriff is fairly certain that Ven is innocent and that the murders were committed by someone else. You remember Vinder's temper, and may not be so sure.

The First Murders - Three con men from the town of Galduria were found murdered in an abandoned barn south of town two days ago -- their bodyguard survived the assault but has gone insane and was sent to Habe's Sanitorium - a privately run respite for the insane.

You may check out any of these leads as you wish and uncover more clues and leads. Of course, Hemlock suggests going to the scene of the crime first.

Seldon places a hand on Miri's shoulder. "Miri. Slow down." he says, firmly, trying to ease her back into her chair. "Tunder is right. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise you that. Just swear to me that you won't go running off on your own? Your people have a saying, you know. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” If this madman is truly hunting you, panicking and running off alone is just what he wants..."

He shakes his head. "Edraith enni'Desna. Does it ever end? The crime-scene if you would, Sherrif. I shall need a few minutes to prepare." Seldon prepares his spells as above and leaves with Hemlock.

Selena shakes her head sadly, I am sorry but I don't know those people but I will do what I can to help. I will go with you to the lumber mill and see if there is any traces of magic that I can detect. Beyond that I am afraid I would just muddle up the scene. I will stay back until those with a better skill set than mine examines it first. Once the go ahead is given then I will come in.

Still musing about keeping Miri clear from association Selena voices quietly. Three days ago we were just returning from the goblin lair and Miri was with us the entire time. As that was south of town and we were to the north it is impossible that she could be involved. The question to my mind is are there other murders we don't know about further to the south? Could it be a traveling sociopath and the culprit be gone already? For the people of Sandpoint I hope so but hope never does anyone any good.

Ready to head to the lumber mill when everyone else is.